Not sure if this is the right name for this. Looks to be hybrid Spanish and willow oak.
In an unmaintained but disturbed plot of overgrowth. Industrial part of the city. Near old train tracks and among a mix of invasive species and natives.
Soil is on the sandier poorer side - but this lil guy is right near a ditch that cuts through and is frequently very sloppy/muddy and filled with larger marsh species like rushes (Juncaceae).
Dominant species very nearby are panicoid grasses, chinese bushclover, japanese honeysuckle, virginia creeper, bradford pear. Relict traintrack is predominantly grown up with lobolly emerging from the track ballast.
It's been cut back at least once, but now extends above 6 feet. Earlier this year it was under that height.
The only one in those woods.
The only such sapling I could find in these woods.
A smaller tree, perhaps 8-10' tall. Located within a stand of Sassafras and Redbud at a T intersection of two trails. Sassafras is between the Water Oak and the trail. About 5' in the woods off the trail, the branches are visible from the trail. Unlikely to have been planted.
Very large plants. I have seen some up to 10' in breadth with stalks reaching the same in height. They seem to be more common near the shores.